Portugal’s President paid tribute to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing his “humanism, devotion to international law and the reforms he has championed since 2017, now including UN80 and the Pact for the Future”.  He described these efforts as “a testament to his work and his legacy”, adding that it is a source of pride to have a Portuguese citizen serving as Secretary-General, embodying “the Portuguese ethos in international relations”. Turning to the broader state of global governance, he warned that the United Nations faces an “existential moment”, stressing that “without change, without renewal, the United Nations will be marginalized, and we could be left to the law of force.”  The choice, he underscored, is stark: either strengthen multilateralism or resign the world to fragmentation.

He argued that no alternative framework - “not G1, not G2, not G3, not G1 plus one or two” - could replace the universal system of the United Nations.  “No absence of multilateralism will avoid the need of multilateralism,” he said, reminding delegates that the world is and will remain multipolar.  He pointed to Ukraine and the Middle East as examples of crises where reliance on a few powerful States had failed to secure ceasefires.  “We waited and waited for the intervention of the most powerful in the world.  Did you have a ceasefire,” he asked.  By contrast, he highlighted the recognition of the State of Palestine by a growing number of Member States as a sign of collective international will.  “This means we need the United Nations.  We need multilateralism.  We need dialogue between countries from every continent,” he declared.  He stressed that international law must underpin reform efforts, noting that “a world driven by rules is a safer and more predictable and equitable world”.

Outlining priorities for reform, the President identified “three pillars:  prevention, partnership and protection”.  He emphasized the need for preventive action before conflict, not just afterwards, citing mediation, preventive diplomacy, and the active involvement of the Secretary-General and the Peacebuilding Commission.  He warned against allowing “distraction and institutional collapse”, instead urging investment in peacebuilding that tackles the root causes of violence and promotes resilient societies.  Development, he argued, is essential:  “Peacebuilding without development, preventive action without development, does not work.”  The President urged renewed focus on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reforming the international financial architecture, while harnessing emerging technologies - digital tools, space, and artificial intelligence - as “forces for peace, not tools for domination”.  Bridging the digital and technological divides is central to building resilient, equitable societies.

Finally, the President underlined Portugal’s commitment to climate action and ocean protection.  “We can talk about combating climate change, but we must first and foremost admit that there is this change,” he said.  Portugal has already designated 27 per cent of its marine surface as protected, moving towards the 30 per cent target set for 2030.  He affirmed that ocean conservation, climate action, and sustainable development remain core priorities for his country’s diplomacy.  With “great pride”, he said, Portugal will continue to press for international solutions that protect the planet and ensure that the United Nations remains a central, effective forum for collective action.